AMD announces Radeon E9170, Polaris for embedded systems

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — — AMD (NASDAQ:AMD) today announced the AMD Embedded Radeon™ E9170 Series graphics processing unit (GPU). The new processor is the first “Polaris” architecture-based AMD Embedded discrete GPU available in multi-chip module (MCM) format with integrated memory for smaller, power-efficient custom designs, as well as PCI Express® and MXM formats for standard form factor systems. The E9170 Series GPU is ideal for devices that require premium graphics and expanded display capabilities while meeting exacting power and thermal efficiency demands. AMD is extending its core graphics technology, delivering crystal clear resolution and a stunning and seamless 4K experience across multiple displays to a growing number of markets, including digital casino games, thin clients, medical displays, retail and digital signage, and industrial systems.

The AMD Embedded Radeon E9173 GPU, based on the “Polaris” architecture, leverages an optimized 14nm FinFET manufacturing process to provide up to 3X the performance-per-watt over previous generations of AMD Embedded GPUsi. By offering sub-40W TDP in a small package, AMD enables a broader range of products, adding a new level of scalability to the AMD Radeon™ Power-Efficient Embedded GPU portfolio. With support for up to five simultaneous 4K displaysii, the E9170 Series GPU virtually eliminates the need for additional processors and duplicate hardware to create an immersive multimedia environment. Additionally, the option to select from MCM, MXM and PCI Express modules increases design flexibility while minimizing complexity.

“Developers are continuing to push the boundaries on what’s possible for embedded systems, demanding more performance, more features and more design options, all while significantly reducing power consumption. At the GPU level, it is critical to provide versatile solutions that do not compromise on graphics performance or 4K multi-display capabilities,” said Colin Cureton, director of product management, AMD Enterprise Solutions. “The new AMD Embedded Radeon E9170 Series GPU not only achieves up to 3X the performance-per-watt over previous solutions, but is the first ‘Polaris’-based Embedded GPU available in the MCM form factor to enable sleek designs in a variety of sizes, striking the optimal balance of performance and power efficiency.”

Key Application Benefits of the E9170 Series

Digital casino games: Helping reduce energy consumption and operating costs, the E9170 Series GPU cuts down on operating costs for entry level and midrange casino gaming systems, as well as lowers thermal dissipation that impacts facility air conditioning costs. Support for five independent and simultaneous displays allows companies to create an eye-catching experience with more pixels and more action. DirectX® 12 support enables higher frames per second and reduced latency, and cross-platform Vulkan® API support helps ensure better image quality while decreasing CPU processing bottlenecks.

Thin clients: Thin clients powered by the E9170 Series GPU can have a smaller hardware footprint than traditional PC systems, and can have lower heat output and provide cooler workspaces in densely-staffed and space-constrained environments such as stock exchange trading floors. Additionally, 4K graphics resolution provides crisp visual clarity when thin clients are in split-screen display mode, improving the end-user experience.

Medical displays: The high-performance 4K graphics resolution in the E9170 Series GPU helps improve the accuracy of clinical diagnoses in X-Ray machines and ultrasounds as well as with bone tissue and analysis, helping medical professionals to enhance patient care.

Retail and digital signage: Cost-conscious signage companies integrating the E9170 Series GPU can drive up to five simultaneous 4K displays for a stunning visual experience that holds viewer attention without incurring a premium processor price.

Industrial: The Radeon E9170 Series GPU in the reliable MCM format enables the stability required for the most stringent shock and vibration tests in environments such as airplane cockpits, in addition to driving multiple displays.

Key Features of the E9170 Series GPU

Up to 1.25 TFLOPS at sub-40W TDP board power, setting a new benchmark within the AMD Radeon Power-Efficient Embedded GPU portfolio by delivering up to 3X the performance-per-watt over previous generations.

Features include 4K HEVC/H.265iii and AVC/H.264 decode and encode, and up to five display outputs using HDMI® 2.0 and/or DisplayPort 1.4.

Available in compact MCM, standard MXM and PCI Express card form factors.

Planned availability through 2024 to ensure support continuity for long-lifecycle products and next-generation designs.

4K and 3D support ensures unparalleled visual immersion.

4GB memory (128bit GDDR5) for high-performance needs.

Partner SupportQuixant
“Quixant is a long-term AMD partner and we have successfully implemented several generations of high-performance GPUs for various casino gaming systems,” said Nick Jarmany, Chief Executive Officer, Quixant. “The new AMD Radeon GPU in the MCM form factor provides us with the competitive performance advantage we expect from AMD, while also driving down power consumption so we can deliver advanced, eye-catching content on a 4K display in a compact, cost-effective package, keeping our customers at the top of their game.”

Eizo
“Over the last 10 years, Eizo Rugged Solutions has partnered with AMD Embedded to successfully bring highly reliable and rugged graphics, video capture and encoding products to several large defense programs,” said Selwyn L Henriques, President and Chief Executive Officer, Eizo Rugged Solutions. “AMD’s unwavering commitment to the embedded market, including long product lifecycles and GPUs with high performance-per-watt, has enabled us to offer our customers exceptional video solutions that meet or exceed their needs and minimize TCO. The new Eizo XMC and 3U VPX products, based on the AMD Embedded Radeon E9170 Series GPU, will help us deliver even higher performance and continue to expand our customer base.”

Availability
The AMD Embedded Radeon E9170 Series GPU in PCI Express and MXM module configurations are planned to be available in October 2017, and the E9170 Series GPU MCM module configuration is planned for November 2017.